By LIZ MOORE

On the back of a sensational 15-13 win over Brothers that put them in top spot on the ladder (and took Brothers out of finals contention), the Tigers are rearing to go against UQ in the major semi-final at Ballymore this weekend. 

Blindside flanker Tom Milosevic said Easts’ top billing meant they had ticked off their first goal of the season, and all 1-15 are quietly confident heading into Saturday. 

“We’re all pretty happy. Finishing top is definitely something that we wanted to achieve going into the season,” the 25-year-old said. 

“Now mainly we’re looking forward to Uni and what they’re gonna bring.”

Milosevic said the Students’ high-tempo team liked to play with ball in hand and their game managers such as Scott Dale meant “they’ve got those threats across the park”, but he’s undaunted.

“For us, the big focus is going to be on our game and what we’re going to do. We’ll probably look at getting some parity at set-piece time nice and early in the match, field possession and then just try and choke them out with our D,” Milosevic said referring to Easts’ renowned defence this season.

Having played in a losing grand final in 2015 and made the minor semis another couple of times, Milosevic said Easts is “long overdue” for a premiership.

“I think for me it’s probably been one of the easiest seasons I’ve had to play in, which is nice. 

“Because we’ve got a team at the moment with a lot of gel, a lot of good combinations across the board, so players are coming out and doing their role and doing their role well. 

“So it makes my job a whole lot easier. It means I just have to go on the field and do my role to the best of my ability.”

Milosevic nearly missed this season as he was meant to keep playing for Bury St Edmunds in England, but Covid-19 brought him home early. It was an unexpected change for which he’s now grateful.

“I was kind of looking from afar at the trials at the start of the season, seeing the boys were looking pretty good going into the season. So I thought, I’m going to kick myself if I miss the opportunity to win a final with Easts.”

A devoted Tiger, Milosevic has been playing for Easts since he was a junior, making his Premier grade debut in 2014. He is yet to win a premiership, and is hopeful this is the year. 

“All across the board, everyone’s confident, which is a nice feeling going into a finals series top of the table and having that confidence 1-15.” 

IMAGE: BRENDAN HERTEL / QRU